Kuldeep Yadav sets records with 134-ball knock in Guwahati: Stats
What's the story
In the ongoing 2nd Test against South Africa, Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav has set a new record for the most balls faced by an Indian batsman in the series. He scored 19 runs off 134 balls on Day 3 of the game before falling to seamer Marco Jansen. The innings is now the longest by an Indian in terms of balls faced in this series, highlighting how India's top-order batters struggled to stay at the crease.
Match overview
Kuldeep shows resistance while batting
India were bowled out for 201 in response to South Africa's 489, conceding a massive first-innings lead. The hosts started well but lost wickets at regular intervals. Apart from Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and Washington Sundar (48), no other Indian batter made a substantial contribution. Despite not playing a big knock, Kuldeep showed resistance and added 72 runs off 208 balls with Sundar for the eighth wicket.
Struggle
Most balls faced by an Indian in the series
Kuldeep's innings of 19 runs off 134 balls is now the longest by an Indian in terms of balls faced in this series. The record highlights how India's batting order has faltered in the series. Notably, Jaiswal's is the only half-century for India in the series. In the series opener in Kolkata, India failed to chase down a paltry 124 on a spin-friendly track.
Information
Kuldeep attains this feat
This is also a new high for Kuldeep, who made a mark with the bat. His 134 balls are the most faced by him in a Test innings, surpassing 131 balls against England in the 2024 Ranchi Test.